God has blessed many of the faithful at Saint Brigid with the gift of children as our parish continues to flourish spiritually.  Our Catechism teaches us that parents are the primary educators of their children in the ways of the faith. Our Holy Father, Pope Leo has continued in the spirit of our recently deceased Pope Francis and has called upon the Church and all Christian communities to accompany and support parents in their educative role.

One way the Church can assist parents is through our “Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW)” ministry.  As previously explained in our Parish School of Religion guidelines, the “CLOW ministry enables children to participate in the formal worship experience, to nourish and guide their spiritual growth and to immerse them in the Word of God in ways that are understandable to them.”

Children are encouraged to attend Mass with their parents, and then, “The children are dismissed from Mass during the Liturgy of the Word.  They are escorted to the chapel, and assisted by volunteer shepherds.  They will hear the Word from the Children’s Lectionary.  The leader guides the children to an understanding of the Gospel that they can embrace.  The children will return to their parents at the offertory.”

The guidelines also state that, “All the elements that help to explain the readings are given great consideration so that the children may make the bible readings their own and may come more and more to appreciate the value of God’s word.”

CLOW is offered at the 9 am Sunday Mass during our Parish School of Religion (PSR) season, extending from September to May.  All children, ages 4 years old through First Grade, are welcome to participate.  There is no registration necessary.

The following “Prayer for Children”, asks God to protect and guide our precious children:
Lord, watch over our children as they sleep,
surround them with your angels, and fill their dreams with your love.
to make choices that align with your will and bring glory to your name.
Lord, bless our children with good health,
both in body and spirit.
May they grow strong and resilient under your loving care.
Amen.

Our ministry coordinators stated that they “are looking for Leaders who enjoy children and engaging them in learning about the Gospel stories.”  The Leaders would rotate and assist about one Sunday per month.  Please contact our CLOW coordinators Barbara Kratz or Jennifer Taylor if you would like to participate.  We thank our coordinators and their staff for all they do to assist our children as they grow in their knowledge and understanding of the faith.

Next weekend we will have a Ministry Fair in Corbett Hall. Representatives of many of our parish ministries will be present after each of our Masses to explain the purpose of their respective ministries and to answer questions.

At Saint Brigid, we believe in collaborative ministry: our priests, deacons and lay faithful working together to build the Kingdom of God. Our Lord has blessed each of us with a unique set of gifts, skills, talents and resources so we can play a special role in building up that Kingdom here on earth.

Many of us are busy people who want to assist in some way at our parish, while balancing family, work, and other responsibilities. As we strive to balance our responsibilities, we may quickly realize that it is often difficult to discern what God wants from us unless we spend some time communicating with Him. We are encouraged to spend time in prayer, and to listen to hear if God is calling us to a more active, conscious participation in our parish.

In addition to prayer, to help us discern how we may place our talents at the service of God and His Church, we invite you to attend the Ministry Fair. Details concerning the Fair can be found in the parish bulletin and on the parish website. We encourage you to prayerfully consider how you may more actively participate in a ministry that interests you. We invite those who may not have participated in any ministries in the past, to consider participating in just one ministry for one year. Your involvement, even on a limited basis, can enhance the spiritual vitality of our Saint Brigid faith community, and also your own spiritual life.

The following prayer provided by the media outlet, “Prayerist” asks God to guide our volunteers as they respond to the call to serve our parish community:

Heavenly Father,
we know that You have called us to pray
to the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into the harvest field,
for people to go and proclaim the gospel of grace
to those who have not heard of Your great salvation,
to go and make disciples and teach the truth of the gospel of grace,
to go and demonstrate the love of God,
Who sent His only begotten Son into the world,
so that whosoever believes in Him would not perish,
but have everlasting life.
Father, we pray that You would put into the hearts
of many of Your children to answer this call
to “Go” to volunteer to be Your hand and Your feet
and to tell of Your great sacrifice of love.
We pray that You would call many to volunteer to work,
knowing that the night is fast approaching when no one can work.
May their lives produce a great harvest, to Your praise and glory.
In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, we are invited to ask God what He may be calling us to do to enrich and strengthen our parish community as we continue on our journey of faith.

We are in the midst of our Growing in Faith capital campaign as we continue construction of our Parish Life Center, and make necessary renovations to our existing Parish facilities. The large free-standing two-story Parish Life Center will serve as an investment in the spiritual vitality of our Parish and strengthen our efforts to enhance our faith and fellowship. It will also serve as a legacy to our children and grandchildren.

For more than two decades, Saint Brigid Catholic Church has served the spiritual needs of Catholics in the North Atlanta area. We have provided a spiritual home where our people could find fellowship in Christ, raise their children in a spiritual environment, expand their knowledge and understanding of their faith, and work to fulfill their God-given purpose. The new Center and renovations to our existing infrastructure will enable us to enhance our ministries and programs, helping to ensure that our Parish will continue to be vibrant and flourish.

We sincerely thank all those who have supported our Growing in Faith capital campaign spiritually and financially and ask that you follow through on your pledges as soon as possible. For those who have not yet pledged, we ask you to prayerfully consider making a pledge, payable over three years, that is generous and sacrificial based on your present needs and circumstances.

If you have and questions or require additional information as to the status of the campaign or the projects, you may contact one of our Parish representatives:

• John Revell: jrevell@saintbrigid.org, Chief Operating Officer
• Brian Dooling: Brian.t.dooling@gmail.com, Campaign Chairman
• Jim Shields: jrsx5@bellsouth.net, Project Chairman
• Nancy Ketchum: Nancy.ketchum@att.net, Project Committee

I truly appreciate all you do to enhance the spiritual vitality of our faith community.

Thank you all and God bless you.

At this time, we are in the midst of the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal for 2025.  The theme of the Appeal is “We Are One Body in Christ.”  Archbishop Hartmayer noted that “we, as members of the Church, are called to work together for the common good, each of us playing a vital role in the mission of Christ.”

The Archdiocese has recently sent reminder notices urging parishioners to support the Appeal.  Catholics are invited to make a significant pledge so that we can meet the spiritual, educational, and temporal needs of our parishes and our people.

Archbishop Hartmayer also stated, “The Annual Appeal provides an opportunity for us to put our faith into action by putting the gifts with which the Lord has blessed us in the service of others.  As the main source of funding for all the ministerial, outreach, education, formation and discipleship work of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, your sacrificial gift giving allows us to continue the work of Christ throughout our Archdiocese.”

Specifically, a substantial portion of our contributions to the Appeal provide funds that go to the training and support of future happy, holy, and healthy priests needed to serve the Church of tomorrow.  We are blessed to have a recently ordained priest who benefited directly from the Appeal, Fr. Colin Patrick, serving in our parish.  Our contributions are also used for the training and formation of permanent deacons and others in religious life.  Through your generosity and your prayers, vocations are being embraced as we go forth in service of the one, holy, Catholic and apostolic Church.

In addition, the Appeal supports Catholic Charities which continues to make a focused effort to assist homeless military veterans in the Atlanta area and in other local areas, and to help to stabilize their lives with housing and employment assistance.  The Appeal also supports priest retirement programs as well as other Archdiocesan pastoral outreach, education, and formation programs that serve our Parish as well as our larger Church community.

We invite you to make a pledge to the 2025 Appeal, and we thank all who have already given via the mail or online.  For those who have not yet contributed, we ask you to prayerfully consider doing so.  Additional information about the Appeal can be obtained from the parish office or from the parish website at https://lifeofthechurch.com/appeal/.

Archbishop Hartmayer has asked us to generously and sacrificially support the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal.  We ask you to assist to the extent possible.  Thank you for all you do to enhance the spiritual vitality of our faith community.

Many of us know someone who is struggling with some form of cancer.  It is a pervasive and frightful disease that has affected many of our parishioners and their loved ones.  Shortly before his passing, our late Holy Father, Pope Francis, addressed the importance of God’s presence as one deals with cancer.  The publication, “Catholic News Service”, reported that Pope Francis reminded the faithful that “it is not easy living with cancer.”  Speaking specifically about children stricken with cancer, he stated that with the support of family, friends and others, we should not get discouraged, and indicated, “…there is no difficulty that cannot be overcome.”

As we reflect on these words of Pope Francis, we are invited to pray to St. Peregrine, asking for his intercession in our time of need.  There is a statue of St. Peregrine in our Church.  Many do not know that he is the patron of all those afflicted by cancer and other illnesses.  As previously noted, the publication, “Franciscan Mission Associates”, provided a brief glimpse into his background.  It stated that he “… led a life of quiet prayer, solitude and repentance for many years.  His life took an unexpected turn when a painful cancerous tumor developed on his foot, requiring amputation.  The night before surgery, St. Peregrine spent hours in prayer, then fell asleep and dreamt of Jesus touching and healing his foot.  Upon waking, he was cured!  During the rest of his lifetime and beyond, many miracles of healing have been attributed to St. Peregrine’s prayers.”

The publication also provided a Novena of prayer to St. Peregrine asking for spiritual healing, with emphasis over nine days on: “faith, love, humility, perseverance, gratitude, honor thy elders, peace, joy, and the glory of heaven.”  Many Catholics and non-Catholics throughout our nation have participated in this Novena.

The following prayer to St. Peregrine, “For Those with Cancer”, asks for his intercession and assistance:

St. Peregrine,
when stricken with cancer, you wisely sought and received Jesus’ assistance.
Today you continue to seek His healing for others afflicted with this devastating disease.
Please intercede for our loved ones with cancer.
Help them live life to the fullest, free as possible from pain and worry.
May they be granted strength to endure and God willing, a miraculous healing.  Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, we are encouraged to be more sensitive to those struggling with some form of cancer,  and reach out to them in their time of need.

  The election of Pope Leo has generated great interest in the Catholic faith from Catholics and non -Catholics alike.  Recent reports from secular media outlets have been generally favorable to the Catholic Church.  There is a renewed sense of appreciation for the faith.

Our faith community at Saint Brigid offers vibrant programs for adults and children interested in becoming Catholic, as well as for baptized Catholics who have not yet received the sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation.   The programs are the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA), and the Order of Christian Initiation for Children (OCIC).  Many who have participated in past programs have commented on how enriching the programs were as they grew in their knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith.  They appreciated the great support provided by program coordinators, instructors, and sponsors.

As explained in the publication, Our Sunday Visitor (OSV), “Catholic parishes offer inquiry sessions that allow seekers to examine the Catholic faith more closely.  During these sessions, participants ask questions, explore Catholic teachings, and discover what it means to be a Catholic Christian.  These sessions are designed to offer accurate information about the Catholic Church – with no strings attached.  If participants feel the desire to become Catholic, they may move into a deeper level of faith formation that focuses on prayer, sharing, community and reflection, called the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults.”

The publication also states that OCIA is “a series of steps (formal rites) conducted in the context of learning about the faith and spiritual formation, through which a person is fully incorporated in the body of Christ, the Church.”  People are invited to learn about the Catholic Church, and they make the free choice to embrace Catholic teaching and become members of the Church.

The steps in the OCIA process, as explained in OSV are as follows:

The Precatechumenate, or period of inquiry, welcomes newcomers to ask questions as they begin to learn more about the Church.

The Catechumenate is a time of serious formation, often with others who are inquiring about the faith.

The Period of Purification and Enlightenment, “which coincides with Lent, is a period of continued instruction coupled with more intensive preparation and prayer.  This period culminates with the Sacraments of Initiation (baptism, confirmation, holy Eucharist), bringing the candidates and catechumens into the full communion of the Catholic Church, usually at the Easter Vigil.  (A candidate is a baptized Christian; a catechumen is an unbaptized candidate.)”

Mystagogy is the time “after the newly initiated have been fully received into the Church; it lasts from Easter to Pentecost.  All of these stages are marked by distinct liturgical rites.”

The process is similar, but more simplified, for children participating in the OCIC program.

Our parish OCIA and OCIC programs will soon be beginning for the year, and enrollment is currently in progress.   We expect that many in the programs will receive the appropriate sacraments at the Easter Vigil next year.  If you know of someone who may be interested in the programs, please contact our parish office or any of our clergy.

Our late Holy Father, Pope Francis, often spoke about the importance of Sunday Mass.  He emphasized the need for our active participation in the Mass, including, when appropriate, the reception of the Eucharist.  He reminded us that we are not called to observe; we are called to participate in the mystery of the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ.

As reported in the publication, “The Catholic Herald”, Pope Francis reminded the faithful that taking part in the Eucharist “…conforms us in a unique way to Christ.”  It gives us a foretaste of full communion with God in heaven, “…where with all the saints we will have unimaginable joy for the gift he gave us with the Eucharist.”

As we reflect on these words of Pope Francis, as Catholics we should have a great appreciation for the Mass and the Eucharist. The Church teaches that the Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith. A brief period of time should be set aside for reflection after receiving the Eucharist. We are then urged to remain for the entire Mass and truly spend quality time with Our Lord. The final blessing sends us forth to truly live our faith and set a good example for others.

The Catholic publication, “Our Sunday Visitor”, as previously noted, also addressed the importance of the need to actively participate in the Mass. It stated,

“The Mass also gives you the opportunity to:

• • Seek forgiveness for your sins.
  • Learn how God’s word impacts your life in the homily.
  • Offer yourself to the Lord.
  • Experience the miracle of bread and wine changing into the Body and Blood of Christ.
  • Reach out to others with the Peace of Christ.
  • Admit that you are not worthy, and then come forward to receive the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ.
  • Receive a special blessing.
  • Be commissioned to go out and make the world a better place.”

  The publication also reminds us that, “When we come together at Mass to pray and worship God, we fulfill a deep need inside of us to be in communion with other people. … They help us to see that we are not alone. They remind us that we are all part of the Body of Christ.”

  As we reflect on the words of Pope Francis, and the sentiments expressed in “Our Sunday Visitor”, we are encouraged to participate in the Mass in a spirit of reverence, respect and thanksgiving. We are invited to recommit ourselves to making the Mass the heart of our day, not a small part of our day, each Sunday, as we truly and publicly proclaim and live our Catholic faith.

This Friday, we celebrate the Fourth of July, Independence Day.  On this day, we remember and appreciate in a special way the birth of our nation.   As citizens, we continue to live in challenging and uncertain times, marked by significant division and conflict within our nation.  Much of this division and conflict is reported on our nightly news programs.  We also live in a society that, over the years, has become more secular in its orientation.  There are those in our society who want to take God out of schools, out of our homes, and out of our lives, and in the process, they are distorting our precious freedoms.

As Catholics, we are called to truly cherish in a very special way the many freedoms we enjoy in this country.  Our bishops remind us that there is a need to strengthen the moral foundation of our country, a moral foundation based on faith and trust in the Lord.  There is also a need to reaffirm our commitment to truly make our country “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

The following “Morning Prayer for Independence Day” from the media outlet, “Prayersaves”, asks God for guidance and support of our nation and our people:

Heavenly Father,
As the dawn breaks on this Independence Day,
we rise with hearts brimming with gratitude for the precious gift of freedom.
We thank you for the countless sacrifices that have secured our liberties and shaped our nation’s history.
On this day, we ask for your guidance and protection over our beloved land.
May your wisdom be our compass, your love our foundation, and your grace our strength.
Help us, O Lord, to be responsible stewards of the freedoms we hold dear.
Grant us the courage to uphold justice, equality, and the pursuit of happiness for all.
As we embark on this day, fill our hearts with a deep sense of gratitude, remembrance,
and commitment to the ideals that define our nation.
Bless our leaders, our communities, and every citizen with the wisdom to make choices that honor the legacy of liberty.
In your name, we pray.  Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, and as we celebrate Independence Day, and as we take time for relaxation and recreation., we are encouraged to truly appreciate our faith and freedoms, and to be thankful for the many blessings that the Lord has bestowed on us and on our nation.

This Sunday we celebrate the solemnity of Corpus Christi, the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, and we focus on our devotion to the Eucharist.  This devotion was certainly shared by Saint Pope John Paul II.  Shortly before his death, as he celebrated the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Pope John Paul stated that a love for the Eucharist helps to create saints and an awareness of vocations.

Our late Holy Father, Pope Francis has also called on us to focus on the Eucharist.  Shortly before his death, as reported in the media publication, “Vatican News”, he stated, “Celebrating the Eucharist and feeding on this Bread, as we do especially on Sundays, is not an act of worship detached from life or a simple moment of personal consolation.”  The publication reported that the Pope rather said that “Communion makes each of us capable of offering our own lives for others, since it teaches us to share what we are and what we have.”

As we reflect on these thoughts of Pope Francis, we are reminded that, as Catholics, we are blessed to have a high regard for the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith.  We are invited to bond with each other by nourishing together on the Bread of Life in the Eucharist, and then by going forth in loving service of our brothers and sisters, especially our brothers and sisters in need.

Archbishop Hartmayer has encouraged the faithful to participate in various Eucharistic devotions.  He expressed his hope that Eucharistic devotions at the parish and national levels will inspire, “…a renewed encounter with the Lord Jesus in the Eucharist and an experience of the Gospel (kerygma), …and a revival of faithful celebration (the ars celebrandi) and participation in the liturgy.”

The following “Prayer for Deeping Our Faith in the Eucharist”, from media contributor Benjamin Reike, encourages us to truly appreciate the gift of the Eucharist:

Dear Lord Jesus,
On this sacred Corpus Christi day,
we gather in Your presence with hearts open wide.
In the humble bread and wine, You offer us Yourself –
body, blood, soul, and divinity.
Grant us the grace to deepen our faith
in this profound mystery of the Eucharist.
Strengthen our belief in Your real presence,
that we may receive You with unwavering trust and boundless love.
We thank You, dear Jesus, for the immeasurable gift of Yourself.
Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, we are reminded that the word “Eucharist” means “giving thanks.”  And today we can once again thank the Lord for the great gift of the Eucharist and for our faith community of Saint Brigid.

This Sunday we celebrate Father’s Day and we remember in a special way all that fathers do for their children.  Being a father is a great privilege and also a great responsibility.  Fathers are challenged to set a good example for their children and to help prepare them for their lives as adults.  This is especially important for fathers in these difficult and uncertain times when their children, especially teens, may face many temptations and trials which may influence their behavior.

Our late Holy Father, Pope Francis placed great emphasis and focus on fatherhood.

As noted in the media publication, “National Catholic Register”, shortly before his death, he stated, “Every family needs a father – a father who shares in his family’s joy and pain, hands down wisdom to his children, and offers them firm guidance.”  He also expressed his hope that all fathers would be like Saint Joseph and that they would strive “to protect their children and teach them wisdom, faith and integrity.”  Pope Francis also prayed that fathers would “always experience our gratitude, appreciation and support.”

As we reflect on these words of Pope Francis, we are reminded that we are called to honor our fathers.  There should be a desire to maintain a strong bond of communication with them and assist in their care in their later years, after the many years that they have cared for us in so many different ways.  It is also suggested that we pray for them after their death.  Our love for our fathers should reflect the love that God has for us.  Many fathers have their share of trials and struggles but they do their best within their human limitations to serve as mentors and guides for their children.

We are also encouraged to pray for our spiritual fathers, our priests.  In addition, we should also remember those fathers who are separated from their children due to military service obligations, work requirements, or for other reasons.  Although separated physically, we pray that they will always keep their love of their children in their hearts.

The following “A Prayer for Christian Fathers” from an unknown author asks our Heavenly Father to bless, guide, and support all fathers:

Heavenly Father,
you entrusted your Son Jesus, the child of Mary,                               to the care of Joseph, an earthly father.
Bless all fathers as they care for their families.
Give them strength and wisdom, tenderness and patience.
Support them in the work they have to do, protecting those who look to them,
as we look to you for love and salvation,
through Jesus Christ our rock and defender.  Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, and as we celebrate this day, we are invited to thank Our Heavenly Father for the gift of our fathers and for the many blessings He has bestowed on us.

Next weekend, on August 23-24, after all Masses, we will have a Ministry Fair in Corbett Hall.  Representatives from many of our parish ministries will be present after each of our Masses to explain the purpose of their respective ministries and to answer any questions you may have.

At Saint Brigid, we believe in collaborative ministry: our priests, deacons, and lay faithful working together to build the Kingdom of God.  Our Lord has blessed each of us with a unique set of gifts, skills, talents, and resources so we can play a special role in building up that Kingdom here on earth.

Many of us are busy people who want to assist in some way at our parish while balancing family, work, and other responsibilities.  As we strive to balance our responsibilities, we may quickly realize that it is often difficult to discern what God wants from us unless we spend some time communicating with Him.  We are encouraged to spend time in prayer and to listen to hear if God is calling us to a more active, conscious participation in our parish.

In addition to prayer, to help us discern how we may place our talents at the service of God and His Church, we invite you to attend the Ministry Fair.  Details concerning the Fair can be found in the parish bulletin and on the parish website.  We encourage you to prayerfully consider how you may more actively participate in a ministry that interests you.  We invite those who may not have participated in any ministries in the past to consider participating in just one ministry for one year.  Your involvement, even on a limited basis, can enhance the spiritual vitality of our Saint Brigid faith community, and also your own spiritual life.

The following prayer, provided by the media outlet “Prayerist,” asks God to guide our volunteers as they respond to the call to serve our parish community:

Heavenly Father, we know that You have called us to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into the harvest field,
for people to go and proclaim the gospel of grace to those who have not heard of Your great salvation,
to go and make disciples and teach the truth of the gospel of grace,
to go and demonstrate the love of God,
Who sent His only begotten Son into the world,<
so that whosoever believes in Him would not perish, but have everlasting life.
   
Father, we pray that You would put into the hearts of many of Your children to answer this call to “Go”
to volunteer to be Your hand and Your feet and to tell of Your great sacrifice of love.
We pray that You would call many to volunteer to work, knowing that the night is fast approaching when no one can work.
May their lives produce a great harvest, to Your praise and glory. 
In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, we are invited to ask God what He may be calling us to do to enrich and strengthen our parish community as we continue our journey of faith.

Recently in the media we have often heard the Latin phrase, “Habemus Papam”, (We have a Pope), after a new Pope, Leo XIV was chosen.  And so, in this great season of Easter, we give thanks for our new Shepherd, Pope Leo XIV and we pray that he will guide our Church with wisdom and compassion.

As noted in the media outlet “Fox News 5”, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, the former Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, spoke with joy that the first American Pope in history had been elected.  He stated, “Yes, he’s American” and he “is really a citizen of the world since he has spent so much of his ministry in missionary work and zeal for Christ in South America.”  In recent years, Pope Leo has also worked closely with Pope Francis in an administrative position in the Vatican.  He speaks many languages and comes to the Papacy with a wealth of experience.

The outlet also noted that “His choice of the name ‘Leo’ was seen as significant, referencing both Pope Leo the Great and Leo XIII, signaling an intent to emphasize both strong leadership and social teaching.”  Cardinal DiNardo acknowledged that Leo the Great was Pope in the 5^th century and that he helped to save the city of Rome in a time of great chaos.  Leo XIII was Pope in the 19th century during a time of significant secular trends in the world, and he emphasized the need for social justice.

It is also noteworthy that media outlets that often tend to be critical of Catholicism were generally favorable in their coverage of Pope Leo and the Catholic faith.  Many people, in media reports, enthusiastically expressed their Catholic faith.  Hopefully the coverage of Pope Leo will encourage more people to embrace the faith we proudly profess.

The following “A Prayer for Compassion in Global Ministry” provided by the media outlet, “Prayerlist”, asks God to guide our new Holy Father:

Merciful Father, You are the God of all comfort and compassion.
Today we pray for Pope Leo XIV, asking You to clothe him with the heart of Christ in every mission,
conversation, and encounter.
As he ministers to people across continents – rich and poor, powerful and forgotten –
may compassion be the fragrance of his leadership and the foundation of his ministry.

Let him see each soul not as a statistic, but as Your beloved creation.
Soften his heart to feel the pain of the suffering, the lost, the persecuted, and the misunderstood.
Give him the words to heal broken spirits, the discernment to speak truth in love,
and the actions that demonstrate the Gospel in power and kindness.
May he be known as a Pope who weeps with those who weep and rejoices with those who rejoice.  Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, we are strongly encouraged to continue to pray for our Pope as he shepherds the Church of tomorrow.

We celebrate Memorial Day as a nation this Monday.  On this day, we remember in a special way, those men and women in the armed forces who have made the supreme sacrifice in defense of our nation.  We pray for the repose of their souls, and for all those who mourn their passing from this world.  Many of them died in wars and terrorist attacks.  Some were military chaplains who faithfully served the spiritual needs of our men and women in the armed forces, and also served the spiritual needs of their families.  They all sacrificed their lives and their freedom and helped make it possible for us to enjoy our lives and our freedom.

These men and women were prematurely separated from family members and friends, and a grateful nation pays them homage and respect.  The following “Prayer for Memorial Day” is provided
by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops:

God of power and mercy,
you destroy war and put down earthly pride.
Banish violence from our midst and wipe away our tears,
that we may all deserve to be called your sons and daughters.
Keep in your mercy those men and women
who died in the cause of freedom
and bring them safely into your kingdom of justice and peace.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, we are reminded to truly appreciate our precious faith and freedom which we should never take for granted. This is especially important in these difficult and uncertain times when we have witnessed dramatic changes in the fabric of our society and our world over the last few years.  These changes were due primarily to the wars in Ukraine and Israel, tensions with Russia, China and other nations; concerns over immigration policies, and a rapid increase in crime and illegal drugs in many of our large cities and even in many of our small rural areas.  Such changes have caused us to view our faith and our freedom in a different light and made us more acutely aware of the reality that there are events and circumstances beyond our control.

As we consider these changes, and as we celebrate this day and take time for relaxation and recreation, we are encouraged to also make time for prayer.  We can join our brothers and sisters who pray for the repose of the souls of these men and women who have gone before us.  In addition, we can pray for stability in our nation, and we can continue to pray for peace in our world, peace in our homes, and peace in our hearts.

At Saint Brigid, we are blessed to have a vibrant ministry for widows and widowers called the “New Beginnings Ministry”.  Many widows and widowers from our parish come together for dinner, community, and fellowship in our parish hall on the 1st Thursday of the month.  They invite widows and widowers from other parishes.  Many of these widows and widowers were married for more than 30, 40, or 50 years.   During their marriages, they have lived; they have loved; they have served; they have forgiven. Many of them remember the first time they met their spouses, their wedding day, the birth of their first child, and other important events in their marriages.  They fondly recall the joy and warmth they shared with their spouses in so many special ways, and the many sacrifices they made as they journeyed together in faith.

We appreciate the active participation of the widows and widowers in our faith community.  As reported in the media outlet “Northwest Catholic”, journalist Sarah Bartel noted that Pope Francis encouraged widows to spend their remaining years purposefully, growing in love and prayer.  Our Late Holy Father stated, “The better we live on this earth, the greater the happiness we will be able to share with our loved ones in heaven.”

Ms. Bartel also noted, “Widows have an important place in the Church.  They have important work to do here, people to love and witness to give.  They have a difficult cross to bear, but a loving Savior to help them carry it.”  She also indicated that “the Church offers comfort for the men and women left behind when a beloved spouse dies.  Widows and widowers have a life full of dignity, purpose and mission.  As Vatican II declared, ‘Widowhood accepted bravely as a continuation of the marriage vocation should be esteemed by all.’”

Recently we celebrated a Mass in our Day Chapel for the deceased spouses of our widows and widowers.  Approximately seventy widows and widowers were in attendance.  After the Mass, reflecting a fine example of collaborative ministry, the Men of Saint Brigid and the Knights of Columbus provided food and beverages, and served a special catered dinner for these widows and widowers.  Parishioner Pat Sallarulo and his group of entertainers sang for all present.

We thank these groups and their leaders for their assistance to our “New Beginnings Ministry” as we reflect on the words of Our Holy Father and continue to strive to make our widows and widowers an integral part of our faith community.

This Sunday is Mother’s Day, and families traditionally gather together on this day to remember and honor their mothers in a special way.  Many people take time to reflect on how much mothers do for their families and the many sacrifices they make on behalf of their spouse, children and other loved ones.  Primarily through their teaching and their example, they also play an essential role in passing down their faith to their children.  They also often guide their children through their formative years with great love, patience and kindness.

When we think of mothers, we are encouraged to think of Mary, the mother of Jesus.  May is the month of Mary, and this month we honor her in a special way.  We call her Queen of Peace, and Our Lady of the Rosary, and bestow upon her many other titles.  In conferring these worthy titles upon Mary, we may sometimes forget that she was also a mom.  She cooked; she cleaned; she worked.  Mary took care of her husband Joseph and her child Jesus.  She did the things that moms do.  Mary remained faithful in times of joy and in times of trial and is a model for all moms.

Pope Francis has a great respect for the vocation of motherhood.  As noted in the media outlet, “The Catholic World Report”, Pope Francis stated, “Mother’s Day is celebrated in many countries today.  We reflect with gratitude on all mothers, and let us also pray for mothers who have gone to heaven.  We entrust mothers to the protection of Mary, our heavenly mother.”

The following “Prayer of Gratitude for Mothers” from the media outlet, “Christianity.com’, asks God to bless and guide all mothers:

Heavenly Father,
we thank You for the gift of motherhood.
Today we celebrate the loving sacrifice of mothers,
biological and spiritual,
who nurture and guide us in Your ways.
Bless them with joy, strength,
and love to continue their selfless devotion.
May they feel deeply appreciated
and honored not just today, but every day.  Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, we are encouraged to give thanks to our mothers.  It is fitting to thank them for all that they do, and for the example they set for us.  We may continue to honor them primarily by obeying them in our younger years, and by graciously taking care of them in their advancing years.  It is also appropriate to thank them for all the spiritual guidance they have provided to us.  In addition, we can also remember those mothers who have died, but still have a special place in our hearts.

On behalf of the clergy, staff, and parishioners of Saint Brigid, we wish all mothers a happy, healthy, and holy Mother’s Day.  We hope they enjoy their special day.

Next Saturday, many of the children in our faith community will make their First Holy Communion at Saint Brigid.  They will share with us in the fullness of the Lord’s Supper for the first time.  Many of their parents and other loved ones will watch proudly as these children, with great devotion, take this important step on their journey of faith.  According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church “…reserves admission to Holy Communion to those who have attained the age of reason”, which is traditionally considered to be the age of seven.

As Catholics, we are called to focus on our devotion to the Eucharist.  This devotion was shared by Our Holy Father, Pope Francis.  Commenting on the Eucharist, he noted, “The dual fruit of the Eucharist: first, union with Christ and second, communion between those who are nourished by Him generates and continually renews the Christian community.”

As we reflect on these words of Pope Francis and as we celebrate the First Holy Communion of our children at Saint Brigid, we are reminded that the Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith.  We are invited to bond with each other by nourishing together on the Bread of Life in the Eucharist, and then by going forth in loving service of our brothers and sisters, especially our brothers and sisters in need.

The following ‘First Holy Communion” prayer from the media outlet “Catholic Company.com” expresses our thanks for the great gift of Holy Communion from the perspective of a child:

Lord Jesus, I love and adore You.
You are a special friend to me.
In the Sacrament of the Eucharist,
You have left me the amazing expression of Your limitless love.
Welcome, Jesus! Thank you for coming to me and giving me the opportunity
to experience Your love in Holy Communion.
May Your Eucharistic presence keep me ever free from sin,
strengthened in faith, filled with love for God and neighbor,
and fruitful in virtue, that I may continue to receive You throughout life
and reach final union with You at death.  Amen.

As we take this prayer to heart, we are reminded that the word “Eucharist” means “giving thanks.”  And on the very special day of First Holy Communion, we can once again thank the Lord for the great gift of the Eucharist.  We can also thank the Lord for our wonderful children, and for our vibrant faith community of Saint Brigid.

Today we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, and our Church has stated the following about this great feast: “During the Church’s millennium celebration in 2000, Pope John Paul II declared that the Second Sunday of Easter be known as ‘Divine Mercy Sunday’.  Prior to this celebration, the Pope also wrote a profound encyclical called ‘Rich in Mercy’.  This encyclical explained the doctrinal and scriptural foundations for our understanding of mercy.  Our Holy Father looked to a holy woman of Poland, Sr. Faustina, for inspiration.  He canonized Sr. Faustina at that same Mass in 2000 at which he instituted the observance of Divine Mercy Sunday.  He also clearly articulated the essential message that Jesus gave to Sr. Faustina and the message is that the graces of His mercy are greater than the stains of our sins.”

As we have noted in the past, it may seem unusual that Divine Mercy Sunday comes so soon after the season of Lent.  After all, is not Lent the season to focus on repentance and mercy?  Well, our Church believes that the timing is most appropriate because Jesus’ message to Faustina reminds us that there is no limit to his mercy for those who truly believe, for those who humbly ask for forgiveness.  His mercy is not limited by boundaries.  It is not impacted by seasonal limitations.  This was his message to Faustina, and this is his message to us.

Pope Francis expressed his devotion to the spirituality of mercy promoted by Pope John Paul II.  In an address for Divine Mercy Sunday in 2024, as reported in the media outlet, “Catholic News Agency”, Pope Francis focused on the Apostles, who were despondent after the death of Jesus.  He stated, “The Risen One comes to them and shows them his wounds.  They were the signs of suffering and pain, they could stir feelings of guilt, yet with Jesus they become channels of mercy and forgiveness.”

As we reflect on these words, in these difficult and uncertain times, we are challenged to truly appreciate this day and reflect a spirit of mercy and forgiveness in our lives.

The following “Prayer for Divine Mercy’s Embrace” provided by media contributor Mason Caldwell reflects the desire for the mercy that God extends to us:

Dear Lord,
on this Divine Mercy Sunday,
we humbly seek Your boundless compassion Help us to extend this divine mercy to others, fostering love and forgiveness.